Donovan would become the latest candidate to challenge current USSF president Sunil Gulati, who has held the position for the past 12 years and had never been opposed in any of the previous three elections in which he's run for the federation's top post.

Donovan, who is tied with Clint Dempsey for the most goals in U.S. men's national team history, initially retired from professional soccer after the 2015 season, only to make a comeback in 2016. He walked away from the game for good earlier this year and has since done television work for Fox Sports while also involving himself in San Diego's Major League Soccer expansion bid.

Gans confirmed an SI.com report that he has received the required three nominations from the USSF voting membership needed to run. Former U.S. international Eric Wynalda is also considering joining the race, according to reports.

Gulati has been under increased scrutiny since the U.S. failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Gulati has refused to resign his position but hasn't indicated whether he will run again. He said during a conference call with reporters last week that he would make a decision in the coming weeks. On that same call, he said he'd already begun reaching out to elements of the voting membership in order to obtain the required nominations to run again.

The election will be held at the USSF's annual general meeting on Feb. 10 in Orlando, Florida. Prospective candidates must submit their paperwork to the USSF by Dec. 12.